Those fortunate enough to live in Charleston, S.C., have a nearly endless list of incredible dining and drinking options, from low-country classic spots to high-end haunts run by award-winning chefs.
But if you’re a visitor dropping into this colorful port city for a day and making choices can feel daunting. We’re here to help, serving up some savory suggestions for breakfast, lunch, happy hour and — you’re still hungry, right? Because we’ve got dinner and dessert covered, too.
This inviting sweet spot in historic downtown feels so Euro, with a small, but stellar selection of pastries available in the morning. Think ultra-rich quiche, flaky fruit tarts, banana bread that tastes even better than your Mom’s. The pecan brioche is genius, especially with a well-made espresso drink on the side.
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ
Pitmaster extraordinaire Rodney Scott grew up down the road in Hemingway, cooking low-and-slow in the family business until he branched out on his own. Last year that move paid off with a well-deserved James Beard Foundation award for best chef in the southeast. Whole hog cooking is really big deal here, a plate of juicy bits pulled from various parts of the pig, served with sauce on the side. Don’t miss the collard greens, baked beans and hush puppies on the side.
After wandering around the city, drop in for an afternoon cocktail at this ground-breaking spirits producer. Since 2013, Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall have dedicated considerable energy into sourcing ingredients with rich history. Like the Jimmy Red corn that was once the favorite choice of moonshiners that they’re now growing. Scott started his career as a baker, so he applies some of those principles to creating deeply complex gin, vodka, whiskey and amaro. Take a tour and do a tasting, or order a craft cocktail from the bar.
Oyster happy hour at this stylish space from the all-star team behind Fig feels like a celebration of the gifts from the sea. Take a seat by the busy shucker and it’s a salty snack plus a show. The ever-changing assortment is mostly local, and you’ll taste oysters the way they’re meant to be tasted. Slurp away!
Chef Shaun Brian grew up on St. John, and brings his Caribbean island style to the outstanding seafood dishes on the intriguing dinner menu. The crispy passion fruit octopus is a prime example, a gorgeous starter that’s perched on a pool of sweet potato and squid ink puree, the chef’s signature “top sauce” drizzled over the impossibly tender tentacles. The pecan smoked fish spread — served with Ritz crackers (yay!) — is addictive. But don’t overdo on the appies because the main plates are equally exciting, especially the seasonal shellfish paired with Conagree and Penn’s purple rice grits. Looks almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll be so glad you did.
The Forbes Travel Guide described this popular spot perfectly: “Peninsula Grill has the sophisticated feel of an urban eatery without losing sight of its Southern charm. The menu is inventive, offering boldly flavored dishes spiced up with Lowcountry accents like collard greens, hushpuppies, grits and black-eyed peas. There’s also a champagne bar menu of decadent little treats like oysters, lobster, foie gras, caviar and duck pâté.” But lots and lots of folks come here for the coconut cake. Is it the best in the world? Try and slice and decide.
